Mallorca, or Majorca, is the largest island in the Balearic Islands, sometimes overlooked by its cooler cousin Ibiza, but this island is having somewhat of a tourism renaissance with many new interesting and well equipped hotels opening in the last decade. One of these hotels is the stunning Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, from the world renowned Jumeirah Group, set high above Port Soller overlooking the picturesque fishing village, on the edge of the Serra de Tramuntana. Only 40 mins away from the main international airport in Palma this hotel is a breath-taking sanctuary away from the main touristic areas surrounding the capital.
We arrived in Mallorca on a balmy day in Summer, our drive from the airport was quick, passing gloves of olive trees and passes through the mountains as we made our way towards Port Soller. The climb up to Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa is pretty steep, but you soon see why when you arrive and witness the view. The site offers panoramic views over the azure Mediterranean waters, and then on the other side views of the Unesco World Heritage site of the Tramuntana range and despite the enormity of the hotel its been sympathetically absorbed into the hillside. Upon entering the lobby you are greeted with a snail-like staircase encompassing a water feature and chandeliers that lead in a few directions to such facilities as the Cap Roig Brasserie, Sunset Lounge and elevators to the rooms and suites. The lobby area features noteworthy art by local Sรณller artist Toni Garau, and Malaga-born Federico Mirรณ, these are some of the many artworks dotted across the hotel which in total equals 400 pieces. Straight ahead of us was reception, we were checked in by the delightful and super helpful Isabella who made us feel welcome instantly, offering us a glass of fresh orange juice and cool towel while she checked us in. Our bags had already been whisked away at the lobby by the bellboys so after check in we made our way up to our room located in one of the 11 low-rise modern white structures that make up the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa.
There are 81 generously appointed rooms and 40 suites, including the private Mar Blau villa, which has its own pool at Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa. Our room was a Deluxe Mediterranean Sea View located on the top floor, so as you can imagine the views over the sea were quite incredible. As you walked in to the left was a small office area and to the right a very large walk-in wardrobe that fitted all our luggage and then some, loved that this was out of the way and out of sight of the rest of the room. Then as you walked in further there was a large king size bed, lounge area with sofa, chair and TV, then through two large sliding doors was the bathroom with his and hers sinks, a separate WC and the piece de resistance the large bath and wet room with floor to ceiling glass overlooking the balcony and thus the sea. Outside as mentioned there was a balcony overlooking the sea with infinity glass so as not to destroy the view, magical both at sunrise and sunset. Also in the room you will find a Nespresso machine, kettle, three types of clothes hangers including ones for delicate fabrics, Natura Bissรฉ toiletries in the bathroom and a beautiful welcome basket of local olive oil and sea salt. After unpacking we were quick to change into our bathing suits to hit the pool, of which there are three on site, one down in the main lobby building that is child friendly, one rooftop pool that is adults only and one located in the Talise Spa. We headed to the rooftop infinity adults only pool, which is quite a hike up a staircase, but it was totally worth it for the tranquil seclusion and views of the Mediterranean Sea. We spent the afternoon here swimming, supping champagne and just lazing in the sunshine. Bliss.
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That evening, after quaffing and grooming in our room, we headed to the hotelโs signature restaurant the Cap Roig Brasserie. Located back in the main lobby building downstairs this restaurant is situated on a terrace overlooking the sea, it offers an ร la carte menu featuring fresh seafood, fine cuts of meat, paella and vegetarian options. We were seated outside under the canopy of vegetation and watched the sunset in the distance while pursuing the menu. We were looked after by the very capable and charming Julian, who took us over to the fresh fish station to decide what we might like to dine on for supper. We selected lobster and Red Snapper, both super simple, just grilled with butter and herbs so as not to ruin the flavour of the freshness of the seafood. Typical first night rookie mistake we over ordered but we gave it a good go and washed it all down with a local Mallorcan Chardonnay. Its safe to say we waddled back to our room but it was so wonderful to be able to eat such fresh seafood that is sourced so locally and prepared in house.
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After a wonderful nightโs sleep and breakfast back at the Cap Roig Brasserie we explored the hotel further. Firstly we tried out the on-site gym, located in the Talise Spa. This gym is extremely well equipped and overlooks the Unesco World Heritage site of the Tramuntana range. Open twenty-four hours a day, the state-of-the-art gym at Jumeirah Port Soller is fitted with Technogym equipment, including treadmills, exercise bikes, weight modules, rowing machine, elliptical, chest press and leg press, among others. We were spoilt for choice so we did a full body workout to work off the dinner from the night before. After this it was time to relax, rejuvenate and switch off from daily life so we headed to the wellness part of the Talise Spa to test out its facilities. The Talise Spa occupies a two-storey building in the leafy grounds of the Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa, it comprises 10 treatment rooms, and an open-air heated hydropool overlooking the mountains. In the shared spa space there are two hammams, a salt steam bath, ice fountain, relaxation room and large sauna. The open-air heated hydropool was lovely, just relaxing as the bubbles massaged your body while overlooking the majestic mountains. Our other favourite was the salt steam bath, not for the faint hearted this room was HOT, upon entering you have to adjust your eyes to the dark as you are literally barraged in the face and body with hot salty spray, you do get use to it an you certainly feel cleansed afterwards as the salt leaches all the toxins from your body. Whilst at the spa I also tried the 60 minute Jumeirah Signature Massage, my therapist was Carmen who was very understanding of my muscle and injury issues. This therapeutic massage, exclusive for Talise Spa, uses a unique combination of pressure points stretches and a series of massage sequences using essential oils, of which I chose the Energising Oil with fresh mint. Afterwards my body felt truly nourished and revitalised with all the aches and pains eased allowing for better mobility.
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The afternoon was spent back by the adult only infinity pool taking in the sunshine and surroundings, however if you are here for more than a few days the port and its sandy beaches, restaurants and gift shops of Port Soller can be reached on foot in 20 minutes, although the hotel offers a regular shuttle bus service. From the port, itโs a 25-minute ride on the historic tram to Sรณller town, with its botanical gardens and the Balearic Museum of Natural Sciences, the Tramuntana range is also ideal for hiking, cycling and bird watching, so there is lots to see and do in the area. That evening we had a light dinner and cocktails at the Sunset Lounge, which as its name suggests is the best place from which to watch the sun set. With a live DJ and Asian fusion dishes itโs a very hip place to hang out, we partially liked the oriental pork gyoza with teriyaki sauce.
The next morning after breakfast it was time to check out, we were sad to say goodbye to this very stylish and relaxing resort in the Mallorcan mountains. It really is a very considerately designed, well equipped hotel with extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff. And considering that Jumeirah Port Soller & Spa was recently named The Best Resort in Spain from the internationally recognised Condรฉ Nast Traveller Gold Awards for 2021, and won the Best Sustainability and Hotel Rehabilitation Projects Executed by Habitat Futura Group and TSMEDIA, recognising the hotelโs role in preserving the cultural heritage of the destination this hotel really is in a league of its own within the Balearic Islands.
Jumeirah Port Soller Hotel & Spa
Calle Belgica s/n Jumeirah
07108 Port de Sรณller
Mallorca
Spain